GR_Ep12_Feasting on Performance in Melbourne

Send us Fan MailMelbourne Theatre Double: Speakeasy Vaudeville + Eddie Izzard’s HamletMik and Nik head to Melbourne for a theatre double: a gritty, intimate vaudeville night at Speakeasy Theatre Melbourne and Eddie Izzard’s one-person Hamlet. They rave about Speakeasy’s cabaret vibe, fast-switching acts, and a killer emcee, with highlights ranging from juggling-in-a-too-low-ceiling chaos to burlesque comedy, a squirmy glass stunt, and a crowd-up karaoke finish—plus ideas on how tighter audience play could level it up. Then it’s all praise for Izzard’s stripped-back Hamlet: empty stage, smart lighting, subtle character shifts, clear storytelling, and emotionally punchy moments (especially Ophelia). The trip sparks big thoughts about getting back into theatre and why Melbourne’s year-round arts energy feels so different to Adelaide’s. Speakeasy links: https://speakeasytheatre.com.au and https://www.instagram.com/speakeasy_theatre/.00:00 Episode Intro01:14 Melbourne Show Plans02:51 Speakeasy Vaudeville Setup04:24 What Vaudeville Means07:36 MC Sets The Tone10:31 Audience Split And Seating12:38 Act One Highlights19:46 Interval And Act Two22:21 Finale And Crowd Moments26:25 How To Improve The Format29:02 Speakeasy Show Vibe30:15 Adelaide Versus Melbourne30:49 Vaudeville Highlights Lowlights33:57 Eddie Izzard Hamlet Setup37:24 Minimalist Stage Magic38:59 Understated Character Work41:34 Standout Moments Ophelia44:38 Humor And Adaptations47:00 Mastery And Audience Control52:28 Theatre Itch Returns58:29 Melbourne Creative Energy01:02:14 Final Thoughts And FarewellSupport the showA Mik Allen Concepts productionwww.mikallenconcepts.com